MANY bus and van drivers have fewer breaks than office staff because rules about their hours are so out of date, according to new research today.
The TUC said one in four bus drivers worked almost 50 hours a week while a similar number of van drivers put in 48 hours.
In a submission to the transport department, the union organisation argued that rules governing drivers’ hours were now 30 years old and needed updating.
The TUC said drivers should be given the right to take a proper break and prevented from working excessive hours.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: “Long hours can damage the health of any worker, but the risks for drivers are particularly serious.
“Drivers forced to work extra long shifts are more likely to get tired at the wheel and are at risk of being involved in road accidents.”
